From CAD to CNC, there’s a whole new generation of hobbyists, inventors, tinkerers and designers who are eager to apply the power of engineering to their own personal projects.
The 3D printer is a favored tool of the Maker Movement, but—as any engineer who has additive manufacturing experience knows—it’s not always the best tool for the job. Compared to subtractive manufacturing processes, such as milling and turning, 3D printing is typically slower, more expensive and more restricted in terms of material options.
Right now, if you want to 3D print an aluminum part at home, you’re looking at a Desktop Metal printer with a $50,000 price tag. Fortunately, there’s another option. The Sienci (pronounced like CNC) Mill One is a desktop router that can cut wood, plastic, soft metals and even circuit boards. It’s the subtractive counter-part to home additive manufacturing.
We invited Sienci founder, Andy Lee, to join us in the studio to demonstrate the Mill One. Check it out:
For another hands-on look at maker tech, check out this article on Affordable, Easy Desktop 3D Scanning.